History

The Park School of Buffalo was founded in 1912 by a group of parents dissatisfied with traditional teaching methods of the era. After consulting with educational reformer and philosopher John Dewey, they hired his student, Mary Hammett Lewis, who was at the time a teacher at the Horace Mann School at Columbia University.

The School opened its doors in the fall of 1912 with 27 students (kindergarten – Grade 4) and four teachers in a cottage on Bird Avenue. Within a year, growing enrollment required more space, and the School moved to the corner of Main Street and Jewett Parkway, expanding to Grade 6 (boys) and Grade 8 (girls). The School moved to its current location in 1920, when the Upper School was added.

Park celebrated its centennial in October 2012. Western New York's premier institution of progressive education remains an oasis for students from prekindergarten through Grade 12. The Park School, anchored by a mission barely altered since its opening, stands poised to commence a second century of active lifelong learning.

Science has always been an integral part of a Park School education. (c. 1930s)

While unconventional at the time, Park's tradition of informal seating arrangements did not inhibit formal study. (c. 1930s)

This outdoor teaching platform was a precursor to today's "Outdoor Classroom." (c. 1930)

The Park School Orchestra and a variety of choruses date to the 1940s.

The girls and boys varsity basketball teams compete in the Monsignor Martin League today. (c. 1940s)

Students enjoy a walk on the Circle. (c. 1965)

Philosopher and progressive educational innovator John Dewey was an early advisor.

Founding Headmistress Mary Hammett Lewis

Founded in 1912, The Park School of Buffalo has the distinction of being one the oldest Progressive schools in the country. Park is an independent, co-educational school serving approximately 300 students enrolled in prekindergarten (3 and 4 year olds), lower school (kindergarten through grade 4), middle school (grades 5 through 8), and upper school (grades 9 through 12). Park is uniquely situated on 34 beautiful acres in Amherst, New York. The School’s campus – formerly a farm – includes a pond, marsh, gardens, and a greenhouse while being located just minutes from downtown Buffalo and easily accessible from many communities throughout Western New York. Park’s educational philosophy embraces active, student-centered learning, delivered by exceptional teachers who design and continuously update a robust curriculum. Faculty members approach each student as an individual within the context of a kind and respectful community. From the preschool years through college preparation, The Park School of Buffalo helps learners realize their own unique potentials and prepares them to be confident, successful, life-long learners.